This article is sponsored by CV Sciences, Inc. CV Sciences is one of the leading suppliers and manufacturers of agricultural hemp-derived CBD bulk and finished products, namely their PlusCBD Oil and Purified Liquids brands.

So you’ve figured out that vaping CBD is the way to go. But with an abundance of CBD vape products out there, how can you be sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck?

The problem with being on the frontier of an industry is that there are a lot of people still trying to figure things out. This couldn’t be more true than in the overlap between CBD and vaporization, two mainstream product categories that hardly existed a decade ago.

Since clear regulations for CBD vape products, particularly e-liquids, are still in the process of being established, it’s ultimately up to the consumer to decide what standards they want their product to live up to. While numerous factors can impact your experience with vaporizing CBD, the following five questions are the most important to consider.

Is the CBD E-Liquid Homogenous?

“Homogenous” means “the same throughout.” Essentially, you should be looking for a product that is well mixed and uniform, and does not separate into different layers. Separation is a major issue in CBD vaporizer liquids right now, as formulators are fighting an uphill battle against the laws of chemistry. Much in the same way olive oil refuses to mix with vinegar, CBD refuses to mix with the majority of e-liquid bases on the market. This type of separation begets uneven dosages when added to your pen, making it difficult to control how much CBD you consume.

Is the E-Liquid Cloudy or Clear?

In general, the clearer the better. A well made e-liquid should be crystal clear, allowing light to pass through unhindered. You don’t drink bottled water that is murky, so why would you ingest dirty e-liquids? Thankfully, this characteristic is readily apparent as soon as e-liquid is dispensed. The bad products will look cloudy, thick, syrupy, and downright unappetizing.

Does the Product Meet Label Claims?

Unfortunately, unscrupulous producers often see value in undercutting consumers on CBD content, since their cost is based primarily on milligrams of CBD contained in each product. In a young, still minimally regulated industry, there is no shortage of companies falling short of label claims for CBD. As such, it’s all the more important for consumers to be vigilant in confirming that products match up to their label claims. Ask to see test results: the only way to really know whether the product measures up is through reputable third party laboratory testing. If the product manufacturer isn’t willing to provide those results, don’t buy the product.

Will it Work in Your Vaporizer?

One of the major technical issues with CBD e-liquids is specific to CBD oil that is infused with vegetable glycerin (VG). Especially when the liquid is not homogenous, the oily CBD layer that separates from VG can wreak havoc on vaporizer tanks, especially those that rely on a cotton wick to soak with liquid. The oil tends to dry out and harden on the wicks, which can render the tank unusable.

You can get around this either by opting for a tank with a ceramic heating element, or simply choosing a liquid that is fully homogenized and proven to work in any kind of vape pen. Also, be sure not to confuse e-liquid bottles with disposable vape cartridges. The latter, while convenient, won’t work with every vape battery, are not refillable, and are not recyclable, meaning they will eventually end up in a landfill.

Is the CBD Responsibly Sourced?

There is no such thing as too much information about where your CBD comes from. Transparency is crucial when dealing with any CBD provider, and you want to make sure there is full traceability from seed to shelf. Make sure that whomever you are purchasing from provides quality documentation on its products and implements high standards in every aspect of its manufacturing process. Ensure that the product is free from microbiological contamination, pesticides, residual solvents, and heavy metals – none of which you want to be inhaling.

Remember, at the end of the day, it’s up to you to make an informed decision on what kind of product you want to buy. Vaping CBD can be a fun and efficient way to help balance your endocannabinoid system, but you can maximize its effects by selecting a quality liquid that suits all of your needs.

Andrew Pham currently serves as the Lead Scientist at CV Sciences, Inc. He was formerly the Lead Scientist at SC Laboratories, a prominent third party analytical testing lab. He is also an executive member of the Cannabis Chemistry Subdivision (CANN) of the American Chemical Society.